On December 31, 2024, Beijing time, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 116-113 on the road, extending their winning streak while the Pelicans continued to sink into a nine-game losing streak. This game was undoubtedly an exciting offensive and defensive battle, with the Clippers' defense and key players' performances becoming decisive factors in the final outcome. However, the most shocking aspect of the game was not a single moment of offensive explosion, but rather three "unbelievable facts" that quietly emerged, changing the direction of the entire game.
Game Review: Clippers' Hard-Fought Comeback Against the Pelicans
The Pelicans' poor performance continued, as they had already suffered nine consecutive losses. The focus of this game was whether they could stop the decline in the absence of their two core players, Zion and Ingram. Despite this, the Pelicans still showed strong offensive firepower, with Murphy and McCollum combining for 67 points, repeatedly pushing the Clippers to the brink. However, the Clippers managed to pull off a comeback in the final moments thanks to the crucial performances of Harden and Powell.
The game started with the Pelicans taking the lead with accurate three-point shooting and fast-paced offense, ending the first quarter with a 37-31 advantage. Although the Clippers completed a counterattack in the second quarter led by Powell, the Pelicans remained close in score. In the third quarter, the Pelicans widened the gap again, with the Clippers trailing at one point 77-65. It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Clippers launched a counterattack under Powell's outstanding performance, ultimately securing the victory with Harden's crucial free throws, winning 116-113 over the Pelicans.
Three Unbelievable Facts That Emerged
1. Powell's Explosion Becomes the Secret Weapon for the Clippers' Victory
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this game was Powell's explosion. With Leonard absent, Powell stepped up to become the Clippers' offensive core. His performance of 35 points and 3 rebounds was impressive, as he demonstrated precision in outside shooting and powerful finishing ability around the basket. Especially in the closing moments of the game, Powell hit two crucial three-pointers, completely breaking through the Pelicans' defense. His performance was undoubtedly the key to the Clippers' comeback, proving that he is not only the team's second-in-command but also has the potential to become the leading star.
2. Harden's Two Free Throws Seal the Victory: The Veteran's Calmness and Maturity
As the Clippers' organizational core, Harden may not have reached his peak in scoring, but his performance in the crucial moments was impeccable. When the game entered its final stages and the Pelicans briefly took the lead, it seemed as if the Clippers were in a passive position. However, Harden sealed the victory with calm free throws and a key rebound in the final moments. Although his scoring was not the highest throughout the game, Harden's stability in the clutch, selfless assists, and on-court leadership still proved him to be one of the most important players for the Clippers.
3. Zubac's Double-Double Displays Dominance in the Paint
The third unbelievable fact is Zubac's performance in the paint. Despite the Clippers' powerful offensive firepower from beyond the arc, Zubac maintained dominance in the paint, showcasing his control in rebounding and defense. His double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds became an important support for the Clippers' victory. Whether it was finishing plays around the basket on offense or blocking shots and fighting for rebounds on defense, Zubac's performance consistently put the Pelicans' offense in trouble. His presence undoubtedly provided the Clippers with strong interior defense and rebound control.
Personal Opinion: The Clippers' Defense and the Maturity of Core Players
In this game, the Clippers' defensive system remained their core competitiveness. Facing the Pelicans' multi-faceted offensive attack, the Clippers relied on their team defense and individual key moments to successfully relieve pressure. Especially in the crucial moments, the outstanding performances of Powell and Harden proved that the Clippers' attacking power does not solely rely on a single player.
However, the Clippers' offensive performance still showed significant fluctuations, especially in terms of player coordination and shooting consistency, which still has room for improvement. Powell's rise undoubtedly injected new vitality into the Clippers, but how to maintain offensive efficiency in future games will be the key to their continued progress.
For the Pelicans, despite their good individual performances in the absence of key players, they still lacked stability in defense and offensive choices in crucial moments. Especially when facing a strong team like the Clippers, the Pelicans failed to maintain their footing when leading by a large margin, resulting in their eventual loss.
Summary: The Deep Reasons Behind the Clippers' Comeback
The Clippers' victory was not just about the score, but also about the defensive system and the maturity of key players displayed during the game. Powell and Harden's fiery performances were undoubtedly turning points in the game, while Zubac's stable play provided strong interior support for the team. As the season progresses, if the Clippers can maintain their current defensive intensity and further improve coordination and stability on the offensive end, the competition in the West will become even more intense. For the Pelicans, although their young players are full of potential, how to improve team collaboration in the absence of core players remains a pressing issue they need to solve.